ROB Wilson has underlined the importance of incoming American speed demon Rob Rankin ahead of his side’s double header with Belfast Giants and Basingstoke Bison.

The former Topeka Scarecrows ace has had visa problems and missed last week’s opening clashes at home to Nottingham Panthers and away to Manchester Phoenix.

Yet Willy is hoping that summer signing Rankin’s arrival can help earn his side’s first win after a frustrating start to the campaign that has resulted in his roster slowly linking up after Burt Henderson and Chris McAllister also suffered delayed entries into the UK.

Wilson told the Chronicle: “Rob is going to bring us a lot of energy and a lot of speed, he’s a very good forward that the fans will enjoy watching.

“He’ll get us goals too and he’ll fit into the work ethic of the team here.

“What I can also guarantee is a lot of grittiness and hard work from Rob, he’s a very good addition to my roster.”

Wilson was far from downbeat about his side’s start to the season and while he feels his troops weren’t at their best against Panthers on Saturday at the Metro Radio Arena, he felt there was a massive improvement in Sunday’s controversial encounter with the Phoenix.

With the condition of the ice too dangerous to continue for a third period, both sides and the Elite League agreed to decide the game on penalty shots with the game tied at 4-4.

Vipers went down on pens but Wilson was more than happy with his team’s efforts.

He added: “On Sunday in Manchester, I think we would have won that game had we had the final period.

“We were just getting on top and playing really well. We had plenty of possession and I think we’d have taken the game.”

Belfast represents an early challenge against one of the sides going for major titles this season on Saturday but Wilson is confident of causing an upset.

He says: “They have got off to a great start to the season and again they will be one of the teams to beat.